Embroidered clothing requires a little bit more care than traditional garments. These clothes feature intricate and delicate designs and fabrics that you want to keep in good condition. Washing your cherished hand-stitched item or a machine-embroidered masterpiece requires a little extra attention.
Improper cleaning methods can fade thread colors, distort shapes, or damage the surrounding fabric. However, you can keep your embroidered clothing in pristine condition for years to come with the right approach.
Eagle Custom Apparel will teach you how to wash embroidered clothing using our fair share of knowledge on the subject. Our aim is to help you keep your embroidered garments in good condition with vibrant colors for years to come. From pre-wash prep work to drying and storage tips, here’s what you need to know.
Check the Care Label First
It’s always a good idea to read the attached label on your garment before starting the cleaning process. Most manufacturers provide essential instructions for your specific article of clothing and what materials the object contains. These labels let you know whether you can put a garment in a washing machine, whether you should wash it by hand, or whether it requires dry-cleaning.
Hand washing is a generally safe option that won’t damage most pieces if the items don’t have a care label. Embroidery threads and fabrics vary in their durability, so the wrong cleaning method is the quickest way to damage your garment.
Pre-Treatment Matters
You may need to act before the actual wash if your embroidered clothing has any stains or discolorations on it. Treating these spots before washing helps the threads remain intact and vibrant. Avoid using harsh chemical stain removers directly on the embroidery, as these can weaken or fade the threads.
We recommend a mild detergent mixed with cold water to create a light cleaning solution. Carefully dab at the stain with a soft cloth or sponge and always work from the outside toward the center. This process is precautionary measure to prevent the stain from spreading into the fabric. Avoid rubbing as doing so can damage the embroidery or distort the design.
Hand Wash When Possible
Hand washing is often the safest method for cleaning embroidered clothing, especially for intricate or older pieces. Fill a small tub with either tepid or cold water and a very fine amount of mild detergent. Gently agitate the water with your hands to create a light lather.
Place the garment into the basin and allow it to soak for a few minutes. You can use your fingers to gently swish the fabric through the water to help remove dirt or oils without excessive scrubbing. Pay special attention to embroidered areas and handle them with care to avoid pulling on threads or causing the design to distort.
After your initial wash, replace the water with fresh clean, cold water. Rinse the garment thoroughly to remove any remaining detergent, repeating the process as needed until the water runs clear.
Washing Machine Precautions
Even if the care label indicates that machine washing is safe, you can take precautions to avoid harming your embroidered clothing. Always use the gentlest cycle available on your machine, such as the “hand wash” or “delicate” setting and choose cold water to prevent shrinking or fading.
Turning the garment inside out can protect the embroidery from friction or snagging during the wash cycle. You can place the item in a mesh laundry bag if it’s a particularly fragile piece to create an additional barrier between the embroidered sections and the washing machine’s moving parts.
Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals
One thing to know about washing embroidered clothing is harsh cleaning chemicals, such as bleach or strong fabric softeners, weaken thread fibers and alter colors, leaving threads dull or faded. Stick to mild, neutral detergents free of additives, and avoid using products with optical brighteners.
Drying Your Embroidered Garments Properly
Drying embroidered clothing requires as much care as washing. Avoid any process that involves wringing out the water, as doing so can distort the fabric and weaken thread tension. Instead, we recommend gently pressing the clothing between two clean, absorbent towels to remove moisture.
Avoid hanging embroidered clothing to dry, as gravity can stretch the fibers and threads out of shape. You should lay it on a dry flat surface, taking special care to face the embroidered side upwards. Use a drying rack to maintain even airflow across the fabric if you’re drying a larger item such as a tablecloth.
Ironing Without Damage
You should always exercise caution if you must iron your embroidered clothes. Check the fabric care label for any specific guidelines. Use the lowest heat setting for that fabric and avoid ironing directly over embroidery threads.
Place a clean, thin pressing cloth (such as a cotton towel or muslin) over the embroidered section to act as a protective barrier. Iron on the reverse side of the fabric wherever possible. Press gently rather than sliding the iron back and forth, as the sliding motion can snag or distort the embroidery.
Storing Embroidered Pieces
Properly storing your embroidered clothing helps retain its beauty over time. Store items in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or humidity to prevent the fabrics from weakening and the threads from fading.
You can go one step further by folding embroidered garments with acid-free tissue paper between layers to protect the threads and prevent creasing. Avoid stacking other clothing or heavy items directly on top of embroidered pieces.
Spot Cleaning Between Washes
You may not even need to do a full wash on lightly soiled or rarely worn embroidered garments. Spot cleaning can freshen up the fabric while minimizing wear and tear. Use a soft, damp cloth to target specific areas that need cleaning, and gently blot without rubbing.
Regular Inspection for Wear
You can prevent problems by regularly checking your embroidered clothes for any signs of wear and tear. Loose threads, small snags, or fading can worsen if you don’t catch them. Use a needle or fabric glue to secure any loose threads and prevent further unraveling. Consider taking the garment to a professional textile repair specialist if the damage is serious.
Maintain Your Embroidered Clothing’s Beauty
Keep your embroidered clothing looking vibrant and eye-catching with proper care. By focusing on gentle cleaning methods, appropriate drying techniques, and careful storage, you can keep these garments looking their best for years to come. The time and effort you invest in caring for embroidered clothing will pay off in maintaining its beauty and sentimental value.
Discover the difference that quality and craftsmanship can make with Eagle Custom Apparel. Our custom embroidered apparel will leave a lasting impression, whether you want to promote your brand, celebrate a special event, or create unique gifts. Contact us today to bring your vision to life with personalized embroidery that stands out!
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